His Light in the Dark

by L. A. Fiore

  Mace didn’t answer immediately as he studied the man across from him. “I wouldn’t put Mia or Cole that close to the likes of Donny or Stein.”

  “Mia, your daughter? She’s at college now, away from the neighborhood?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Good.”

  “You think there could be trouble?”

  “I think I don’t know enough about what’s going on, but if she was my kid, I’d want her well enough away.”

  Guilt twisted in my gut because stupid, fucking me had given Mia a reason to not stay well enough away.

  “I’d like to see those pictures and if you should hear anything, a heads up would be nice. Of course I’ll return the favor. Give me the info on this missing woman. I’ll see what I can dig up.”

  Mace shifted his focus to me, wordlessly asking if I wanted any part of it. Seemed to me the more looking into Stein and Donny the sooner they’d be behind bars. I was all for it. A slight nod of the head gave Mace his answer, his attention turning back to Terence. “Sounds fair.” Mace said.

  Terence waved down the waitress. “I just went off the clock, wouldn’t mind a cold one. You in?”

  Mace didn’t need to look my way to know my thoughts on that invitation. He answered for both of us when he said, “Why not.”

  Sophomore year, it was hard to believe I had finished an entire year of college. I had settled on accounting as my major because I loved math and it turned out I was good at it. Not only would I be running Dad’s office, but I also could take care of the books, including at tax time since Dad really hated every aspect of the business end of the garage. And Dylan, who did the job now, wouldn’t have to anymore.

  As promised, I focused on school and put Cole on the back burner, but it wasn’t as easy to keep him from my thoughts because every time I heard his softly spoken confession of wanting me as much as I wanted him, I couldn’t help the excitement or anticipation of finishing what we had started that night in my dorm. We’d get there, someday.

  Thinking about him had me missing home; I’d surprise Dad, and Cole, with a visit. The trip wasn’t far and when I arrived, the garage’s parking lot was full—business was booming—so I parked further down the street. Driving through the neighborhood, pride filled me to see how great it looked; a lot of the houses had work done and newer cars were parallel parked in the streets. The sign to Dad’s garage was visible from blocks away, the simple black and white sign. I was halfway up the parking lot when I heard the raised voices. Peering around the corner, not wishing to interrupt and curious as hell as to why Dad and Dylan were arguing, I eavesdropped…something I couldn’t seem to stop myself from doing.

  “What have you done, Dyl?”

  “I didn’t know what else to do, Mace. I’m sorry I never thought it’d get this far.”

  “Fuck man, you know the kind of people they are. Why the fuck would you get in bed with that?”

  “I didn’t have much of a choice.”

  “Shit.” My dad looked livid. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me? Why did you wait for me to hear about it from Cole?”

  My heart leapt when I saw Cole, couldn’t have controlled my reaction to seeing him any more than I could have controlled the phases of the moon.

  Dylan looked awful, like strung out and scared. When Dad turned to Cole, I was guessing he had more he wanted to say to Dylan but didn’t want an audience. “Thanks for the heads up. You calling it a day?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay, see you in the morning.”

  Cole clearly read Dad’s intentions too when he headed for the bay farthest from me. The slight hesitation in his gait and the way his head tilted in my direction made it clear he knew I was there. The fact that he was as aware of me as I was of him had a delicious little chill working its way down my spine. He continued out of the garage and I followed after him. He had expected me to because he waited for me.

  “Mia. Does Mace know you're home?”

  “No, was missing home so thought I’d stop by, maybe have dinner.” Gesturing toward the garage I asked, “What’s going on with Dylan? Is everything okay with the garage?”

  His answer didn’t jive with his expression; he looked stupendously pissed. “Everything’s fine.”

  He was always there, always had Dad’s back. He needed to know that we not only recognized that, but also were grateful. “Thanks for always looking out for Dad and me. He’s lucky to call you friend. I’m your friend too, you know that right?”

  It wasn’t one of his sheer perfection smiles, but it was still pretty damn fantastic. “I know that, Mia.”

  “I know you want me to move on for now, but if you ever need me, you know how to find me.”

  “Likewise. Go and see your dad, a visit with you is just what he needs.” And then he turned and walked away.

  Cole wasn’t wrong, Dad looked haggard when I walked back into the garage, but as soon as he saw me he grinned from ear to ear.

  “Mia!” He folded me into a hug and held me there longer than needed, which immediately brought on my concern. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, better now that you’re here.”

  “I thought we could grab dinner.”

  “Let’s go home, I’ll make dinner. It’s been too long since we had a meal together at home.”

  “Are you growing sentimental in your old age?”

  He wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “No, just missing my kid.”

  “How the hell did we get roped into this shit?” Mace sounded as disgusted as I felt.

  “Because a prostitute asked you to look for another prostitute.”

  “Are you trying to be funny, Cole?” And though he said that with a blank expression, I heard the humor. “If I knew then what I know now, I’d have never let Mia out of the house.”

  “Like you could have stopped her. ” She was a force of nature; it wasn’t a wonder that she drove me crazy in a really fucking good way. “She back at school?”

  “Yeah. You could have joined us for dinner.”

  “After learning about Dylan, a quiet meal with Mia was probably just want you needed.”

  “You can say that again. Haven’t a damn clue what Dylan was thinking.”

  “Sounds like he wasn’t doing all that much thinking. Mia overheard the discussion yesterday.”

  “Figured she did, kid has been eavesdropping since she could walk.”

  I grinned thinking of a younger Mia, all that wild hair and eyes too big for her face, listening in on conversations she shouldn’t have been.

  “I’ve seen the way you and Mia look at each other.”

  The grin dropped from my face. Oh shit.

  “You’ve been circling each other a long time.”

  “Mace, look, I—”

  “I’m not objecting, Cole, just the opposite. I like the idea of you two together.”

  So taken off guard with that statement, I hit the brakes too hard, throwing each of us forward in our seats. Pulling over to the curb, since my focus was so far from driving, I shifted in my seat to stare at Mace. “You aren’t kidding.”

  “No.”

  “Mia deserves better.”

  “You love my daughter. I’m not asking, I can see it. You turned your shit around for her. You’re helping me for her. You’re staying away from her for her. A man who’s willing to change himself, to deny himself what he wants, all in the name of wanting what’s best for the woman he loves, he’s more than good enough. There’s no one better for Mia than you. You know how I feel about Mia and I’m telling you, Donati and Campbell, I always liked the sound of that.”

  “You seriously want us together?”

  Mace leaned back in his seat. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

  Couldn’t help the grin because it wasn’t often people surprised me, but I was surprised as all hell. “Me too.”

  “Good, now let’s get a drink. We’ve earned it.”

  Well, shit. Mace had just given me his blessing and fuck it all but I
was damn happy to have it.

  The rain hadn’t stopped; the winds were so strong I thought the windows were going to blow out of their casings. Tomorrow was Aunt Dee’s birthday and so as was tradition, we were celebrating at Vincent’s.

  Graduation was in two months, still couldn’t quite believe that four years had passed, though my studies had kept me very busy. Dad and I had talked about me working for him as an office manager for Mace’s Auto Body; I’d be performing the exact kind of work I’d hope to do with the added bonus that I’d be spending my days with Dad and Dylan. And Cole. He was the major reason for my disbelief in how fast the last four years had flown because usually when you wanted something you had to wait for, time crept along. I wanted him and unlike his prediction, my feelings weren’t just a crush, not even close. His time was up.

  As an early graduation gift, Dad found me an awesome apartment located near South Street on Rodman Street. My apartment backed up to South Street and it was the sweetest little place. He insisted I buy not rent, so he gave me the down payment and offered to pay the monthly mortgage until I started earning my living. I hadn’t intended to get a place so soon, especially since I wasn’t technically working yet, but Dad had been adamant, wanted me in that apartment, so I agreed to his very generous offer. Move in day was a week after graduation.

  It was late but I was still up; Dad was out, most likely with one of his lady friends. I knew my dad dated. He never brought the women home when I lived here, but occasionally a woman would stop by the garage. He was hot so I wasn’t surprised by the women’s interest. I always wished he’d find someone, that special someone, but I always had the sense that the women were more interested in my dad than he was in them. Maybe after Cynthia, the idea of committing to someone was a turn off. I couldn’t blame him for that.

  Sleep crept up on me, but I didn’t want to go to bed until Dad was home. The knock came at three in the morning. I must have fallen asleep because the knock startled me. Glancing at the clock, my heart started to pound. Who would be knocking at this hour? I checked the peephole and though the man’s features were concealed in shadow, I knew it was Cole.

  Pulling the door open, I asked, “Cole, what are you doing here?”

  He said not a word just took a step toward me and wrapped me in his arms.

  “Cole? What’s the matter? Do you know what time it is?”

  A few minutes later a police car pulled up in front of the house. The lights flashing, red and blue reflecting off the house across the street.

  “Why are the cops here?”

  Jerking from Cole, I took a step away from him. “Cole, why are the cops here?”

  “Mia—” Cole was crying, there were tears rolling down his face. Deep down I knew why the cops were here, knew why Cole stood on my dad’s front step crying, but if I said it out loud it would make it real. Moving deeper into the house, I shook my head, refusing to believe it, refusing to accept a reality that I would never, ever be able to endure.

  “Mia.”

  “No, Cole. I don’t believe it. I DO NOT BELIEVE IT.”

  “I’m sorry, I am so fucking sorry.”

  “Miss Donati?”

  Tears filled my eyes, but I wouldn’t let them fall, as I stared at the police officers in Dad’s foyer. “Mace Donati was involved in a car accident earlier this evening, I’m sorry but he didn’t make it.”

  Every part of me stilled, my breath, my heart even the blood running through my veins seemed to take a moment before the grief burst out of me. Dropping to my knees, an anguished scream ripped from my throat. Wrapping my arms around myself, desperate to hold myself together because I felt as if I’d shatter apart, I rocked myself while wishing for the one person who had always made everything better and knowing he never would again. Dropping my head to my knees, sobs racked my body; my daddy was dead. I wanted to scream out my denial. The idea that I’d never see his beloved face again, feel his arms around me when I hurt, or hear his voice simply saying my name hollowed me. We’d never work together; he’d never walk me down the aisle and he’d never get to hold his grandchild.

  Strong arms wrapped around me. Cole cradled me in his lap, holding me close offering comfort as well as seeking it; he was as gutted as me. Touching his face, his eyes opened and there was such devastation.

  “He’s really gone.”

  “Yes.”

  “We’re not going to get him back, are we?” Even saying the words, I still didn’t believe them.

  He held me closer, his hold on me tightened.

  My dad was gone. I couldn’t get my head around living in a world where he didn’t. We had so much still to do. He couldn’t be gone and yet my heart shattered into pieces knowing as hard as I tried to deny it, I’d still be faced with accepting his loss. Burying my face in Cole’s chest, the pain was staggering. A pain I knew I’d carry with me for the rest of my life. Hysteria edged my words; I couldn’t lose Cole too. If he left me, I’d be the one lost in the dark. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I held on. “Please don’t leave me too. I can’t lose you too.”

  He didn’t answer me, only held me until I cried myself to sleep.

  In the morning when I woke, Cole was gone.

  Slamming into the room Terence and his team used as home base, I wanted blood. Watching Mia crumble, seeing the devastation and loss in her face and knowing that she had still more to lose, nearly broke me. But damn it, Mace’s death would not go unsolved. Traffic accident my ass. “What the hell happened?”

  Terence jumped up, seeing my mood and attempting to keep me from doing something I’d regret. “Calm down, Cole.”

  “Calm down? One minute Mace is breathing and the next he’s not. The only change in his world was helping you out. So again I say, what happened? How did the signals get crossed that he went out without me?”

  “He wasn’t doing something for me.”

  “What?”

  “I didn’t call him. Wherever he went, whomever he went to see, it didn’t come from me.” Terence was a lot of things, but dishonest wasn’t one of them.

  “And yet he went.”

  “Yeah.”

  The implication of that left me reeling; one look at Terence confirmed it. “He didn’t see the person as a threat.” Even saying the words, I still didn’t quite believe them.

  In a rare show of emotion, Terence’s shoulders slumped and he seemed to age, right there in front of me. “Yeah. Mace knew the person who killed him.”

  And that meant whoever killed him likely also knew Mia. I’d lost Mace; I wasn’t going to lose her. I’d watch over her, I’d keep her safe and to do that I had to stay away from her; she had to lose me too. I rarely over-drank, had my dad to thank for that, but tonight I was getting shitfaced.

  Six months ago I lost my dad and still the pain was as raw as it felt on that night. Sometimes I woke convinced it was just a horrible nightmare, but then reality returned and I’d lose him all over again. My whole life it had been Dad and me. I wasn’t really sure who Mia Donati was without Mace Donati at my side. I still had Aunt Dee and Dylan, but the relationship with my dad had been special. We’d forged on together, made a life together that had been damn near perfect, and some drunk driver took that away from me. I never thought a heart could hurt so badly and still function. The pain of his loss hadn’t eased over the months, in fact it had only grown more painful as days passed where I’d want to share something with him only to have the harsh truth slamming into me that he wasn’t there and never would be again.

  It amazed me how much a life could change in so short a time. I was back in my old neighborhood because Aunt Dee and I were packing up Dad’s house to sell. I couldn’t believe we had to sell my childhood home, hated that the house my dad had spent so much time making his, would one day belong to someone else. I thought to take it, give up my apartment and move back home, but Dad had really wanted me in the apartment, had insisted I buy it, so leaving it felt like an act of defiance.

  What I hated more
than our house being sold was seeing the construction vehicles lined up in the parking lot of Mace’s Auto Body. Apparently, the place wasn’t doing as well as Dad had led us to believe. Dylan, as Dad’s business partner, had covered the outstanding debt on the shop, but it was just not possible for him to keep it going so he sold it. Carter Stein bought it and that grated. Dad hadn’t wanted to sell to him and yet now he owned it. I didn’t blame Dylan, he hadn’t a choice and Carter was relentless, but it felt wrong.

  To add to my heartbreak, after that horrible night, Cole had changed again. He was always there, never doubted that if I needed him, he’d been there, but he stayed in the background. As much as I wanted to explore my feelings for him, ached for him, what hurt even more was the loss of his friendship; a relationship I had fought hard to keep, but lost anyway.

  Bitter, resentful were some of the emotions fueled when I thought of Cole, but curiosity was in the mix too. I had so many questions for him. Like how he knew about my dad before the cops? Had he been there? Where had Dad been? I thought he had been on a date. I planned on asking Cole, would demand that he answer, but I wasn’t there yet.

  “Mia, take a break honey. You’ve been going at it for hours.” Aunt Dee said as she stepped into Dad’s office.

  “Okay, I just want to finish up this room.”

  I wasn’t really looking at anything because I knew if I really focused on what I was doing, I’d break down and never finish. Everything was getting stored, some at Aunt Dee’s house and some at my apartment. Eventually we’d have to sort through it and keep what we wanted and give away the rest. I just wasn’t there yet with that either.

  Aunt Dee settled next to me on the floor and reached for my hand to stop my packing efforts. “If this is too hard for you, I can do it myself.”

  “And like it’s not hard on you.”

  “It is, but this is your home and he was your dad.”